Access port identification systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/023,280, filed Jan. 1, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,615, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/368,954, filed Mar. 6,2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,302, which claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/658,518, filed Mar. 4, 2005, eachof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Access ports provide a convenient method to repeatedly deliver asubstance to remote areas of the body without utilizing surgicalprocedures. Ports are totally implantable within the body (i.e.subcutaneously) and may permit the infusion of medicine, parenteralsolutions, blood products, or other fluids. Additionally, ports may alsobe used for blood sampling.

A typical port typically includes a housing assembly, a septum, and anoutlet. The housing assembly and septum define a reservoir which isaccessible through the septum. The outlet of the housing may communicatewith a catheter which accesses a vein. Thus, the catheter may beemployed for delivering a fluid from the port to a remote location inthe body, for example, the superior vena cava.

In common practice, a port is implanted within the body and the catheteris routed to a remote area where a fluid is desired to be delivered. Todeliver the fluid, a caregiver locates the septum of the port bypalpation of a patient's skin. Port access is accomplished bypercutaneously inserting a needle, typically a non-coring needle,through the septum of the port and into the reservoir. A fluid, such asa drug or other beneficial substance, may then be administered by bolusinjection or continuous infusion into the reservoir. Thus, the fluid mayflow through the reservoir into the catheter and finally to the sitewere the fluid is desired.

Ports generally come in two different types, surgical and cosmetic.Surgical ports may typically be used for delivering medicinalsubstances, including chemotherapy drugs which may be harmful tosurrounding tissue, or for sampling blood. Cosmetic ports, on the otherhand, are utilized to deliver saline or some other non-reactivesubstance to a prosthesis which supplements a body feature.

Generally, conventional access ports of different manufacturers ormodels may typically exhibit substantially similar geometries that maynot be differentiable with respect to one another. Accordingly, once anaccess port is implanted, it may be difficult to determine the model,style, or design of the access port. Such uncertainty may beundesirable, at least for replacement timing purposes, among otherreasons, especially if identification of the implanted access port isdifficult to otherwise determine.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an access port which providesat least one identifiable characteristic that may be sensed or otherwisedetermined subsequent to subcutaneous implantation of the access port.

SUMMARY

One aspect contemplated by the instant disclosure relates to an accessport for providing subcutaneous access to a patient. Such an access portmay comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting aneedle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, anaccess port according to the instant disclosure may include at least onefeature structured and configured for identification of the access portsubsequent to subcutaneous implantation.

Another aspect contemplated by the instant disclosure relates to amethod of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port. Moreparticularly, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided andat least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may beperceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may beidentified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

A further aspect of the instant disclosure relates to an access port forproviding subcutaneous access to a patient. Particularly, such an accessport may comprise a body configured for capturing a septum forrepeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined withinthe body. Further, the access port may comprise at least one featurestructured to identify the access port as being power injectablesubsequent to subcutaneous implantation.

Features from any of the above mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the instant disclosure.In addition, other features and advantages contemplated by the instantdisclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthrough consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanyingdrawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an access portaccording to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 1B shows a schematic side cross-sectional view the access portshown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an access portaccording to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the access port shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a simplified perspective view of a cap for forming anaccess port according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an access portaccording to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 15B shows a top elevation view of the access port shown in FIG.15A;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an access port according to theinstant disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an access portaccording to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a top elevation view of the assembled access port shown inFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 shows a simplified representation of a transverse cross sectionof the access port shown in FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIGS. 25-51 show perspective views of additional embodiments of anaccess port.

FIG. 52A shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an access portwith an alphanumeric message in the bottom of the port.

FIG. 52B shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 52A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The instant disclosure relates generally to percutaneous access and,more specifically, to methods and devices associated with percutaneousaccess. Generally, the instant disclosure relates to an access port forsubcutaneous implantation. In one embodiment, an access port may allow aphysician or other medical personnel to obtain long term percutaneousaccess to the interior of a patient's body. Employing an access port forpercutaneous access may reduce the opportunity for infection byinhibiting fluid connections (that extend into the interior of apatient's body) from the patient's skin and from the externalenvironment. The access device allows access to the interior of thepatient without requiring a needle to pierce the skin. Further, internalcomponents, such as a catheter or a valve, may be replaced without asurgical procedure. Features or aspects of the instant disclosure mayapply to any such access ports for subcutaneous access to a patient,without limitation. The access port may be injected by hand (e.g., via asyringe including a needle) for example, or may be injected andpressurized by mechanical assistance (e.g., a so-called power injectableport).

Power injectable ports may be employed in, among other processes, forexample, computed tomography (“CT”) scanning processes. Moreparticularly, a so-called “power injector” system may be employed forinjecting contrast media into a peripherally inserted intravenous (IV)line. For example, such power injectors or injection systems may becommercially available from Medrad, Inc., a subsidiary of Schering AG,Germany and may be marketed under the trademark STELLANT®. Because fluidinfusion procedures are often defined in terms of a desired flow rate ofcontrast media, such power injection systems are, in general,controllable by selecting a desired flow rate.

More specifically, the instant disclosure relates to an access porthaving at least one perceivable or identifiable feature for identifyingthe access port, wherein the identifiable feature is perceivable afterthe access port is implanted within a patient. For example, at least oneor perhaps multiple identifiable feature(s) of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure may be correlative to information(e.g., a manufacturer's model or design) pertaining to the access port.Thus, an identifiable feature from an access port of a particular modelmay be unique in relation to most if not all other identifiable featuresof another access port of a different models or design. Of course, theat least one identifiable feature of an access port contemplated by theinstant disclosure may be further correlative with any information ofinterest, such as type of port, catheter type, date of manufacture,material lots, part numbers, etc. In one example, at least oneidentifiable feature of an access port may be correlative with theaccess port being power injectable. In this way, once at least oneidentifiable feature of an access port is observed or otherwisedetermined, correlation of such at least one feature of an access portmay be accomplished, and information pertaining to the access port maybe obtained.

In one embodiment, at least one feature may be perceived by palpation(i.e., to examine by touch), by way of other physical interaction, or byvisual observation. Accordingly, a person of interest may touch or feelthe access port through the skin to perceive at least one identifyingcharacteristic thereof. In another embodiment, at least one identifiablefeature may be perceived via x-ray or ultrasound imaging. In yet afurther embodiment, at least one identifiable feature may be perceivedthrough magnetic, light, or radio energy interaction or communicationwith the access port.

Turning to the embodiment wherein at least one feature may be perceivedthrough palpation, other physical interaction, or visual observation, atopography or exterior surface feature of an access port contemplated bythe instant disclosure may be configured for perception. For example,referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary access port 10 contemplatedby the instant disclosure is shown. FIGS. 1A and 1B show a perspectiveview and a schematic side cross-sectional view, respectively, of anaccess port 10 for allowing percutaneous or otherwise internal access toa patient's body. Access port 10 includes a housing or body 20 definedby a cap 14 and a base 16. Cap 14 and base 16, as known in the art, maybe configured for capturing therebetween a septum 18. As shown in FIG.1A, cap 14 and base 16 may matingly engage one another along a matingline 15. Cap 14 and base 16 may be secured or affixed to one another viamechanical fasteners such as screws or other fastening devices, may beadhesively affixed to one another, or may be affixed to one another asknown in the art. Further, cap 14, base 16, and septum 18 maycollectively define a cavity 36 in fluid communication with a lumen 29of outlet stem 31.

The body 20 may be implanted in a patient 7, as shown in FIG. 1B, todispose the cavity 36 subcutaneously within the patient 7. Also, sutureapertures 66 (FIG. 1A) may be used to affix the access port 10 withinthe patient 7, if desired. After the body 20 is implanted in a patient7, the upper surface of the septum 18 may be substantially flush withthe surface of the skin 6 of the patient 7 and may be repeatedlypunctured for creating a percutaneous passageway from the exterior ofthe skin of the patient into the cavity 36. The outlet stem 31 maycreate a fluid-communicative passageway from the cavity 36 through theoutlet stem 31 and into the interior of the patient 7. A catheter may becoupled to the outlet stem 31 for fluid communication with the cavity 36and for transferring fluid from the cavity 36 to a desired remotelocation from the cavity 36 and within a patient 7.

Body 20 of access port 10 may comprise a bio-compatible material such aspolysulfone, titanium, or any other suitably bio-compatible material asknown in the art. Accordingly, the body 20 may be formed from abio-compatible plastic material. If desired, the body 20 may comprise apenetrable material for penetration by sutures or needles. In anotherembodiment, and as discussed further hereinbelow, body 20 may comprisean impenetrable material such as, for instance, a metal if desired. Body20 may include a concave bottom or, in another embodiment, may include aflat bottom, without limitation.

According to the instant disclosure, access port 10 may comprise a body20 exhibiting at least one identifiable feature. More particularly, asshown in FIG. 1A, body 20 may exhibit a partial generally pyramidalshape (i.e., a polygonal base having surfaces for each side of thepolygon extending toward a common vertex otherwise known as a frustum).Generally, a body 20 of an access port 10 may exhibit a partialpyramidal shape extending between a generally quadrilateral shaped basepositioned at reference plane 11 and a generally quadrilateral shapedupper base positioned at reference plane 9. Reference planes 9 and 11will not be shown in FIGS. 2-21, for clarity; however, reference toplanes 9 or 11 with respect to FIGS. 2-21, as used herein, will refer tocorresponding reference planes analogous to reference planes 9 and 11 asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the exterior of access port 10 is substantiallydefined by four substantially planar side surfaces 50 connected to oneanother by radiuses 32. In addition, the upper topography 61 of accessport 10 is defined by upper surface 60 in combination with chamfers 46Aand 46B and may be further defined by the upper surface of septum 18.Explaining further, the outer periphery of upper topography 61 may bedescribed as a generally quadrilateral exterior formed by side regions54 and having rounded corner regions 30 adjacent side regions 54. Such aconfiguration may provide an access port having at least one featurethat may be perceived by palpation.

It may be appreciated that there are many variations to the geometry ofaccess port 10 as shown in FIG. 1A. For instance, while the body 20 ofaccess port 10 may be described as a partially pyramidal shape orfrustum, the instant disclosure is not so limited. Rather, one or moreof side surfaces 50 may be oriented at as may be desired, withoutreference to any other side surfaces 50. Accordingly, for example, oneof surfaces 50 may be substantially vertical while the remainingsurfaces 50 may be oriented at respective, selected angles. Furthermore,it should be understood that FIG. 1 A is merely exemplary and that thedimensions and shape as shown in FIG. 1 A may vary substantially whilestill being encompassed by the instant disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of access port 10according to the instant disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior ofaccess port 10 is substantially defined by a generallyparallelogram-shaped base (positioned at reference plane 11 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B) extending generally pyramidally to a generallyparallelogram-shaped upper surface (positioned at reference plane 9 asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). As shown in FIG. 2, radiuses 42 may be largerthan radiuses 32 as shown in FIG. 1A. Furthermore, the upper topography61 of access port 10 as shown in FIG. 2 may include rounded cornerregions 40 which are larger than rounded corner regions 30 as shown inFIG. 1A. Thus, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an access port 10that may be perceivably distinguishable from access port 10 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, a difference between one exterior of anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure and another exteriorof a different access port contemplated by the instant disclosure may bedetermined by way of palpation.

In another embodiment, in another aspect contemplated by the instantdisclosure, a template may be employed for perceiving at least onefeature of an access port. For instance, a complementarily-shapedtemplate may be positioned over and abutted against an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure so as to determine if the accessport matches or substantially corresponds to the shape of the template.Such a process may reliably indicate or perceive at least one feature ofan access port contemplated by the instant disclosure. Of course, aplurality of templates corresponding to different models of access portsmay be serially engaged with an unknown access port so as to perceive atleast one feature thereof. Such a process may allow for identification(e.g., of a model or manufacturer) of an access port contemplated by theinstant disclosure.

In another aspect contemplated by the instant disclosure, an uppertopography of an access port may include at least one feature foridentifying the access port. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, uppersurface 60 of access port 10 may be nonplanar. More specifically, uppersurface 60 may be tapered or may arcuately extend downwardly (i.e.,toward reference plane 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and IB) as it extendsradially inwardly toward septum 18. Otherwise, access port 10, as shownin FIG. 3, may be configured substantially as described hereinabove withreference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thus, upper surface 60 is one exemplaryexample of at least one perceivable feature for identification of anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure.

In yet a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by theinstant disclosure, side regions 54 extending between rounded cornerregions 30 may exhibit at least one perceivable feature. For example, asshown in FIG. 4, access port 10 may include one or more side regions 54that extend arcuately between adjacent rounded corner regions 30.Otherwise, access port 10, as shown in FIG. 4, may be configuredsubstantially as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A and1B. Side regions 54 may be congruent or symmetric with respect to oneanother or, in another embodiment, may be configured differently withrespect to one another, without limitation.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure. More specifically, access port10, as shown in FIG. 5, includes side regions 54 that form recessedregions 72 between adjacent rounded corner regions 30. Put another way,the upper topography 61 may include alternating recessed regions 72 andprotruding regions 70 positioned generally about a periphery of septum18. Otherwise, access port 10, as shown in FIG. 5, may be configuredsubstantially as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A and1B. Such a configuration may provide an access port having at least oneidentifiable feature.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIGS. 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a side view,respectively, of an access port 10 generally configured as is describedwith reference to FIG. 5 but having an elongated body 20E. Morespecifically, elongated body 20E of access port 10, as shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B, includes a side surface 50E that extends generally from uppertopography 61 downwardly (i.e., toward reference plane 11 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B) and having a slope (e.g., an angle with respect to avertical axis normal to an upper surface of septum 18) which isdifferent from the other side surfaces 50. Otherwise, access port 10, asshown in FIG. 6, may be configured substantially as describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Such a configuration mayprovide an elongated body 20E of an access port 10 having an elongatedside portion.

Of course, one or more side surfaces of an access port according to theinstant disclosure may be configured for forming a body exhibiting aselected shape as may be desired. An elongated body portion of an accessport contemplated by the instant disclosure may form, in combinationwith other features as described hereinabove or, in another embodiment,taken alone, at least one perceivable feature for identification of anaccess port according to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of an access port encompassed by theinstant disclosure. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 7, access port 10 mayinclude an upper body portion 20 a and a lower body portion 20 b.Furthermore, each of upper body portion 20 a and lower body portion 20 bmay exhibit a partial pyramidal shape (i.e., a frustum), wherein thebody portions 20 a and 20 b are stacked vertically with respect to oneanother. Accordingly, upper body portion 20 a may form an overhangingrim feature 76 extending along a periphery of access port 10. Explainingfurther, lower body portion 20 b may have an exterior substantiallydefined by side surfaces 50 b and rounded corner regions 30 b, whileupper body portion 20 a may have an exterior substantially defined byside surfaces 50 a, rounded corner regions 30 a, and upper topography61. It may be appreciated that overhanging rim feature 76 may be sizedand configured for perception via palpation. Such a configuration mayprovide a suitable access port for delivery of a beneficial or medicinalsubstance, the access port being identifiable (e.g., by model number,manufacturer, etc.) after implantation.

It should be understood that the instant disclosure contemplates accessports having an exterior geometry that is not quadrilateral in nature.Rather, the instant disclosure contemplates that an access port may havean exterior which is generally cylindrical, generally conical, generallyelliptical, generally oval, or an exterior that is otherwise arcuate innature. Specifically, the instant disclosure contemplates that an accessport having a substantially rounded or arcuate exterior may include atleast one feature configured for identification of the access port afterimplantation. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, shows a cap 14 thatexhibits an exterior surface 78 that is substantially conical. Cap 14may be assembled to a suitable base (not shown) for capturing a septum(not shown) as described hereinabove to form an access port 10 asgenerally described with reference to FIGS. 1-7.

The instant disclosure further contemplates that at least oneprotrusion, protruding region, recess, recessed region, undulation, oradjacent features of different elevation may comprise a feature foridentifying an access port contemplated by the instant disclosure. Morespecifically, upper topography 61C, as shown in FIG. 8, may include aplurality of protrusions 80. Protrusions 80 may exhibit partiallyspherical upper surfaces that transition into a lower portion of cap 14.In further detail, protrusions 80 may be circumferentially spaced aboutthe periphery of septum (not shown) as may be desired. In oneembodiment, a plurality of protrusions 80 may be symmetricallycircumferentially spaced about the periphery of septum (not shown). Moregenerally, at least one protrusion 80 may be sized, configured, andpositioned for forming at least one identifiable feature of an accessport. Of course, at least one protrusion 80 may be structured forfacilitating comfort of a patient within which the access port isimplanted. As may be appreciated, at least one protrusion 80 or morethan one protrusion 80 may be included in an upper topography 61C of anaccess port (not shown) contemplated by the instant disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a cap 14 including at least oneprotrusion 80E for forming and identifying an access port contemplatedby the instant disclosure after implantation thereof within a patient.Protrusions 80E may extend circumferentially about a center ofrevolution. Thus, protrusions 80E may exhibit a body 87 portioncircumferentially extending between rounded ends 83. Further, cap 14 mayhave an exterior surface 78 that is substantially symmetric about anaxis of revolution. More generally, body 20 may extend from a generallycircular, generally elliptical, or generally oval base positioned at alower extent 71 of the cap 14 to an upper generally circular, generallyelliptical, or generally oval cross section that is smaller than a crosssection of the base and is positioned at an upper extent 73 (withoutconsidering protrusions 80E) of the cap 14. In addition, side surface51, as shown in FIG. 9, extends arcuately between the base and the uppertopography 61 of cap 14. Side surface 51 may extend in a generallytapered or conical fashion, may exhibit a radius or other arcuate shape,or may otherwise transition between a cross section of the base of theaccess port to a cross section proximate the upper topography 61 Cthereof.

Further, FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a cap 14 for forming an accessport contemplated by the instant disclosure having an upper topography61 C thereof comprising alternating circumferentially extendingprotrusions 80E and circumferentially extending recesses 82, wherein thecircumferentially extending protrusions 80E are circumferentially largerthan the circumferentially extending recesses 80E. In another embodimentof an access port contemplated by the instant disclosure, FIG. 11 showsa perspective view of a cap 14 having an upper topography 61 C thereofcomprising alternating circumferentially extending protrusions 80E andcircumferentially extending recesses 82, wherein the circumferentiallyextending protrusions 80E and the circumferentially extending recesses82 are substantially equal in (circumferential) sized or extension. Inyet a further embodiment of a cap 14 for forming an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure, FIG. 12 shows a perspective viewof a cap 14 having an upper topography 61 C thereof comprising threecircumferentially extending protrusions 80E and three circumferentiallyextending recesses 82, arranged so as to alternate circumferentially,wherein the circumferentially extending protrusions 80E and thecircumferentially extending recesses 82 are substantially equal in(circumferential) size.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an additional embodiment of an cap14 for forming an access port contemplated by the instant disclosureincluding an upper topography 61 C including circumferentially extendingprotrusions 80T and circumferentially extending recesses 82T, whereintransition regions 81 are provided between circumferentially extendingprotrusions 80T and circumferentially extending recesses 82T. Suchtransition regions 81, as shown in FIG. 13, may taper or generallysmoothly transition between a circumferentially extending protrusion 80Tand a circumferentially extending recess 82T. Also, FIG. 14 shows aperspective view of an additional embodiment of a cap 14 for forming anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure including an uppertopography 61 C including protrusion regions 96 and recessed regions 98that transition between one another and alternate circumferentially soas to form an undulating topography comprising upper topography 61C.Such an undulating topography, as shown in FIG. 14, generally smoothlytransitions between circumferentially adjacent protrusion regions 96 andrecessed regions 98.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIGS. 15A and 15B show a perspective view and a topelevation view, respectively, of an access port 10 generally configuredas is described with reference to FIG. 5 but may include at least onenonplanar side surface. In another embodiment, access port 10 as shownin FIG. 15 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 1-4 or FIGS. 6-7, or anyembodiments described hereinbelow, without limitation. Morespecifically, elongated body 20 of access port 10, as shown in FIGS. 15Aand 15B, includes three side surfaces 50R that extend arcuately (asshown in FIG. 15B) to a concave portion 50P of a bottom perimeter thatbounds or shapes a bottom surface of the access port. Such aconfiguration may provide an access port 10 that is identifiablesubsequent to implantation. In yet another embodiment of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure, FIG. 16 shows a perspective viewof an access port 10 including a side wall 100 that truncates a portionof a radius 32 formed between side surfaces 50 of access port 10. It mayalso be noted that such an access port 10 may include three sutureapertures 66, which may, taken alone or in combination with at least oneother feature, comprise at least one identifiable feature of an accessport contemplated by the instant disclosure. In addition, as shown inFIG. 16, outlet stem 31 may extend from side wall 100.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an access port 10wherein cap 14 and base 16, when assembled to one another along matingline 15, form a flange feature or lip feature 102 that extends about atleast a portion of the periphery of the access port 10. As shown in FIG.17, lip feature 102 extends substantially about the periphery of theaccess port 10, proximate to the mating line 15 between cap 14 and base16. Such a feature may comprise at least one identifiable feature of anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure. Thus, it may beappreciated that a peripheral discontinuity between the cap 14 and base16 may be formed generally along the mating line 15 therebetween. In theembodiment of an access port as shown in FIG. 7, an overhanging rimfeature 76 may comprise a peripheral discontinuity or, in the embodimentof an access port as shown in FIG. 17, a lip feature 102 may comprise aperipheral discontinuity.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an access port 10wherein at least a portion of at least one side surface 50 is concave.As shown in FIG. 18, concave region 106 of side surface 50 is concave.Concavity (i.e., a concave region 106) may be exhibited over at least aportion of a side surface of an access port of any of the embodiments asshown herein, without limitation. Thus, at least one side surface 50 ofan access port contemplated by the instant disclosure having at least atleast a portion thereof that is concave is one exemplary example of atleast one perceivable feature for identification of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an access port 10wherein at least a portion of at least one side surface 50 is concave.As shown in FIG. 18, region 106 of side surface 50 is concave. Concavitymay be exhibited over at least a portion of a side surface of an accessport of any of the embodiments as shown herein, without limitation.Thus, at least one side surface 50 of an access port contemplated by theinstant disclosure having at least at least a portion thereof that isconcave is one exemplary example of at least one perceivable feature foridentification of an access port contemplated by the instant disclosure.

In a further embodiment of an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure, FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an access port 10generally configured as is described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.More specifically, elongated body 20ER, as shown in FIG. 19 includes aside surface 50ER that extends arcuately from upper topography 61 ofaccess port 10 downwardly (i.e., toward reference plane 11 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B). Such a configuration may provide an elongated body 20Eof an access port 10 having an elongated side portion.

It should be understood from the above-described various embodiments ofan access port contemplated by the instant disclosure that manyvariations, additions, or different features may be encompassed by theinstant disclosure. Thus, the instant disclosure is not limited to theseveral above-described exemplary embodiments.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, which shows a top elevation view of anaccess port 10 contemplated by the instant disclosure, an access port 10may include a side wall 100 that at least partially truncates a radius32 between side surfaces 50, outlet stem 31 extending from side wall100, and at least one of a concave region 106 and an arcuate surface50R. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, suture apertures 66 may be positionedso as to identify the access port 10 after subcutaneous implantation.

Additionally, the instant disclosure contemplates access ports having anexterior geometry that is polygonal in nature. Specifically, the instantdisclosure contemplates that an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure may exhibit a generally triangular exterior. Thus, as shownin FIG. 21, body 20 may exhibit a generally pyramidal or tapered shape(i.e., a polygonal base having surfaces for each side of the polygonextending toward a common vertex). Generally, a body 20T of an accessport 10 may extend between a generally triangularly-shaped base and arelatively smaller, generally triangularly-shaped upper base.Accordingly, the exterior of access port 10 may be substantially definedby three side surfaces (e.g., 50, 50R, 102, 50E) having radiuses 32extending therebetween. The arcuate or concave side surfaces 50R mayextend to the bottom perimeter concave portion 50P. In addition, theupper topography 61 of access port 10 may be defined by upper surface 60in combination with side regions 54 and rounded corner regions 30. Sucha configuration may provide an access port having at least one featurethat may be perceived by palpation.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a perspective view and a top elevation view ofanother embodiment of an access port including a generally triangularexterior geometry. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a cap14 and base 16 (collectively forming a housing) may capture a septum 118to form an access port 10. Further, outlet stem 31 may include a stembase that may be positioned within and sealed to an outlet recess 93formed within base 16. The outlet stem 31 may be in fluid communicationwith a cavity formed within the access port 10. Optionally, suture plugs89 may be positioned within suture cavities 91 formed in base 16. Sutureplugs 89 may comprise a pliant material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.)that may provide some resilience between sutures coupling the accessport 10 (i.e., the base 16) to a patient. In further detail, a sideperiphery 95 (e.g., one or more side walls) of access port 10 may begenerally triangular. Thus, cap 14 and base 16 may collectively form agenerally triangular housing or body of access port 10. Also, theinstant disclosure contemplates that side periphery 95 may increase ordecrease in cross-sectional size (e.g., by tapering or arcuatelytransforming) between upper surface 161 of cap 14 and lower surface 151of base 16. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a transverse cross section(taken in a selected plane substantially parallel to lower surface 151of base 16) of access port 10 may be larger proximate to lower surface151 of base 16 and may be relatively smaller proximate upper surface 161of cap 14.

Additionally, FIG. 24 shows a simplified representation of a transversecross section of access port 10. As shown in FIG. 24, side periphery 95of access port 10 may define three side regions 103 that extend betweenassociated vertex regions 101. In addition, in one embodiment and asshown in FIG. 24, side periphery 95 may define a substantiallyequilateral generally triangular shape. As one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate, side regions 103 may arcuately extend betweenassociated vertex regions 101; thus, side regions 103 may form “sides”of a generally triangular shape. Further, although vertex regions 101are rounded, it may be appreciated that such vertex regions 101 form anintersection between adjacent side regions 103. Accordingly, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the phrase “generallytriangular,” as used herein, encompasses any generally three-sidedgeometry wherein adjacent sides intersect, without limitation. Forexample, the phrase “generally triangular” encompasses three sidedpolygons, circular triangles, equilateral triangles, etc., withoutlimitation.

The instant disclosure also contemplates that at least one feature of anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure may not be observablevisually or by palpation but, rather, may be otherwise observable. Forexample, the instant disclosure contemplates that at least one featureof an access port may be observable through interaction with an imagingtechnology such as x-ray or ultrasound. The access port may beconstructed of both metal and plastic. For example, in one embodiment, ametal feature (e.g., a plate or other metal geometry) may be included byan access port contemplated by the instant disclosure. As may beappreciated, such a metal feature may be represented on an x-raygenerated by exposure of the access port to x-ray energy whilesimultaneously exposing x-ray sensitive film to x-ray energy passingthrough the access port. In another embodiment, the access port mayincorporate a metal disk in the bottom of the plastic port. The disk mayinclude an alphanumeric message etched in the port disk that would bevisible on radiograph (x-ray). FIGS. 52A-B illustrate one embodiment ofan alphanumeric message 122 etched in a disk or plate 120 in the bottomof a port 10. Further, the instant disclosure contemplates that a size,shape, or both size and shape of a metal feature of an access port maybe configured for enhancing identification of an access port. Forexample, assuming that a metal feature comprises a metal plate, a size,shape, or both may be selectively tailored for identification of anaccess port. Additionally, by way of example, a metal port may beconfigured to leave a square imprint on an x-ray that could identify theport as a power-injectable port. Similarly, a feature of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure may be tailored for detection viaultrasound interaction. Such a feature may comprise an exteriortopographical feature. In another embodiment, such a feature maycomprise a composite structure including two or more materials that forman interface surface that may be identified by ultrasound imaging.

In a further aspect contemplated by the instant disclosure, it iscontemplated that a communicative technology may be utilized whereininformation is encompassed by an access port contemplated by the instantdisclosure. Generally, a communication device (e.g., a radio beacon, alight-emitting element, an ultrasound emitting transducer, etc.), may beimbedded or otherwise affixed to an access port contemplated by theinstant disclosure. Such a communication device may be configured fortransmitting information in response to a given impetus. Morespecifically, the instant disclosure contemplates that an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure may be exposed to a requestsignal (e.g., a sound, an impact or an acceleration, light, radio waves,etc.). Such a request signal may cause the communication device totransmit information therefrom via sound, light, radio waves, or asotherwise known in the art. Such information may be employed foridentifying an access port contemplated by the instant disclosure.

In one exemplary example, it is contemplated that radio frequencyidentification technology may be employed for identification of anaccess port contemplated by the instant disclosure. Particularly,so-called active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and aretypically read/write devices. Currently, a suitable cell coupled tosuitable low power circuitry can ensure functionality for as long as tenor more years, depending upon the operating temperatures and read/writecycles and usage. So-called passive RFID tags operate without a separateexternal power source and obtain operating power generated from thereader. Passive RFID tags are typically programmed with a unique set ofdata (usually 32 to 128 bits) that cannot be modified. Read-only tagsmay operate as an identifier comparable to linear barcodes which maycontain selected product-specific information. Thus, passive RFID tagsmay be much lighter than active RFID tags, less expensive, and may offera virtually unlimited operational lifetime. The tradeoff is that theyhave shorter read ranges than active tags and require a higher-poweredreader.

One advantage of RFID approach is the noncontact, non-line-of-sightnature of the technology. Tags can be read through a variety ofsubstances such as snow, fog, ice, paint, crusted grime, and othervisually and environmentally challenging conditions, where otheroptically read technologies may be less effective. RFID tags can also beread in challenging circumstances at rapid speeds, in most casesresponding in less than about 100 milliseconds.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown forpurposes of illustrating aspects contemplated by the instant disclosure,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes inthe methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departingfrom the scope contemplated by the instant disclosure, which is definedin the appended claims. For example, other access port sizes and shapesmay be employed; and various other embodiments and structures may beemployed for forming at least one identifiable feature of an access portcontemplated by the instant disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 25-51illustrate a number of additional exemplary embodiments of access port10. As is apparent from these figures, access port 10 may be formed inany number of shapes and sizes, such that any number of modificationsand changes are possible to any of the embodiments described andillustrated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinstant disclosure.

1. An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient,comprising: a metallic body defining a cavity accessible by inserting aneedle through a septum, the metallic body including: a first sidesurface from which an outlet stem extends; a second side surfacedifferent from the first side surface, the second side surface having aconcave portion; and a bottom surface bounded by a bottom perimeterincluding a concave portion contiguous with the second side surfaceconcave portion, the bottom surface further including at least onerecessed alphanumeric message observable via imaging technologysubsequent to implantation of the access port, the alphanumeric messageidentifying the access port as being power injectable.
 2. The accessport according to claim 1, wherein the metallic body includes a thirdside surface different from the first side surface and second sidesurface, the third side surface having a concave portion contiguous witha second concave portion in the bottom perimeter.
 3. The access portaccording to claim 1, wherein the first side surface is connected to thesecond side surface by a first radius.
 4. The access port according toclaim 1, wherein the first side surface is connected to the second sidesurface by a first radius, the second side surface is connected to thethird side surface by a second radius, and the third side surface isconnected to the first side surface by a third radius.
 5. The accessport according to claim 1, wherein the imaging technology is x-rayimaging technology.
 6. The access port according to claim 1, wherein theat least one recessed alphanumeric message is engraved in the bottomsurface and, with respect to other portions of the metallic body, isrelatively more x-ray transmissive.
 7. The access port according toclaim 1, wherein the alphanumeric message includes the letters “C” and“T.”
 8. The access port according to claim 1, wherein the alphanumericmessage is “CT.”